Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Comforting Classic
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken and dumplings to warm you up on a chilly day. This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe combines the tender, flavorful chicken thighs, rich creamy broth, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all cooked together for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without much effort. With the magic of the slow cooker, this dish practically prepares itself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food, and when you prepare it in the slow cooker, the flavors meld beautifully over hours of cooking. The slow cooker’s low-and-slow process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy, the vegetables cook to perfection, and the broth turns into a rich, creamy sauce. The biscuits placed on top turn into soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
This easy-to-make recipe is a one-pot wonder that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can set it in the morning and have a warm, delicious dinner ready by the time you get home in the evening.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
To make this hearty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Many of them are pantry staples, and it’s easy to customize the recipe based on your preferences:
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onion works best)
- 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (thighs provide tender meat, but you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (for a creamy base)
- 1 can of cream of celery soup (this adds flavor depth, but you can substitute it with another cream-based soup like cream of mushroom)
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning (a perfect blend of herbs that pairs well with chicken)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for flavor and garnish)
- Black pepper, to taste (season according to preference)
- 2 cups chicken broth (this adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish)
- 1 package refrigerated biscuits (8-count works well; they will be used to create the dumplings)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables, defrosted (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are a great choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Begin by prepping the slow cooker. Spread diced onion evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. The onion will cook down as the dish simmers and infuse the chicken and broth with a mild, sweet flavor that will enhance the overall taste.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Thighs
Take the bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and place them on top of the diced onion in a single layer. Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender as they cook, allowing them to easily shred and mix into the dish later.
Step 3: Make the Soup Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of celery soup
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Black pepper to taste
Mix the ingredients well until the soups and seasoning are fully incorporated. This creamy mixture will serve as the base for the chicken and dumplings, creating the luscious, rich sauce that will coat everything.
Step 4: Pour the Soup Mixture Over the Chicken
Once the soup mixture is well-blended, pour it over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. The creaminess of the soups combined with the seasoning will coat the chicken and vegetables as they cook, infusing everything with flavor.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Now, pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and soup mixture. The broth will provide moisture and help everything come together as it cooks slowly. The combination of soup and broth creates a rich, flavorful base that will keep the chicken tender and allow the dumplings to cook perfectly.
Step 6: Set the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to high for 5 hours. This gives the chicken ample time to cook through and become tender, and allows the flavors to meld. Be sure not to open the lid during the first 4 hours of cooking—doing so can cause heat loss and extend the cooking time.
Step 7: Add Vegetables
After about 4 hours of cooking, open the slow cooker lid and add the defrosted mixed vegetables. Frozen vegetables work best here as they’re already cooked, and they’ll cook perfectly in the simmering liquid. Stir the vegetables into the mixture, and while doing so, shred the chicken thighs with your spoon or tongs. The chicken will be so tender it will easily fall apart.
Step 8: Prepare the Dumplings
While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, take the refrigerated biscuits and flatten each one slightly. Then, cut each biscuit into 4 long slices. This will help the biscuits cook evenly and allow them to absorb the flavorful broth while turning into delicious dumplings.
Step 9: Add the Dumplings
Carefully layer the biscuit slices on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. These slices will cook and expand into soft, fluffy dumplings as they absorb the flavorful sauce. Once the dumplings are added, cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional hour on high.
Step 10: Stir and Serve
After the hour is up, remove the lid and give the mixture a good stir to incorporate the dumplings into the chicken and vegetable mixture. You’ll see that the dumplings are now soft and fluffy, blending beautifully with the rich sauce. If desired, garnish with more fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking as they remain juicy and tender even after hours of cooking. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, they will work as well, though they may require less cooking time.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water and stir it in towards the end of the cooking process. This will thicken the broth without altering the flavor.
- Customize Your Vegetables: The mixed vegetables can be customized to your taste. Feel free to swap in green beans, corn, or any of your favorite vegetables.
- Adding Herbs and Spices: For a more robust flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for additional flavor complexity.
Why This Recipe Is So Great
- Easy and Convenient: The beauty of this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is that it’s a dump-and-go meal. Once you prepare the ingredients, you can let the slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and creamy broth creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making each bite incredibly comforting.
- One-Pot Meal: With just one slow cooker, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the flavors blend together in the same pot, making it an efficient and delicious choice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a warm, satisfying dish that your family will love. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something special. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and you’re left with a hearty, flavorful meal that requires little attention. Whether you’re feeding a large group or just preparing dinner for your family, this dish is sure to please!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy chicken and dumplings—perfect for any time of year.